My realistic expectations for the 2009 Dallas Cowboys is nothing short of a NFC Championship appearance.

I will go so far as to make an even bolder prediction because as it has been said, prediction is for the ego, and my ego has been suppressed long enough. It’s time for the world to feel the wrath: The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers will meet in the conference championship in the new year.

That’s right we are taking a trip in the way back machine, at least in terms of revisiting the rivalry between the Cowboys and 49ers.

I mean, it’s been a while since the two teams have played a game with nary a scent of playoff implications.

Frankly, I miss those days.

Pour out a little liquor…Not really, I don’t even drink. So save your liquor, or better yet drink up because this article only gets better and that’s not just the scotch talking.

Hey that reminds me, did you hear the one about the dog that walks into a bar.

The bartender says, “What’ll it be, partner?”

The dog replies, “Give me a scotch, and a bowl of toilet water.”

Gulp…

What’s it going to take to exceed these expectations?

Well, obviously the only way the Cowboys can exceed these expectations is by doing what any good general manager would do. And that is take hostage the 49ers organization days before the NFC Championship, or if you want to play it safe, maybe around Halloween.

As with an organization, taking someone hostage probably isn’t a good idea. Unless of course you are La Cosa Nostra, then do whatever you want.

So barring any serious jail time, other obstacles that could keep the Cowboys from a Super Bowl appearance would be injuries to key players, which could be said for any team.

The NFL is so dynamic, one second you think one thing and the next, a star quarterback is sitting in prison.